Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

TANNIE, adj. Also tanny (Per. 1818 J. Sinclair Simple Lays 19). Sc. forms of Eng. tawny, also found in n.Eng. dial. (Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 97). [′tɑne]

1. In comb. tanny-cod, the inshore or red-ware codling, so called from its colour (Fif. 1795 Stat. Acc.¹ IX. 339). See Reid. adj., 1. (54) and (77).

2. Fig. Sombre, gloomy.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 101:
Bit I can say an safely sware Hid hed a tanny end.